Eileen Loveman Daily Posting

LA FAMILIA - FAMILY TIES

This week I was privileged to attend two events which truly embodied the meaning of family. The first was the farewell and good luck performance of local Williamson singer Emily Kaye.

Singing “country western music with a sophisticated twist” as she is billed, Emily and about 50 of her extended family members sat with the rest of the town on the library lawn, smiling and taking pictures as she sang her heart out. A home-town girl, she is headed for Nashville to pursue her dreams and whatever else may come her way.

Emily is one of the lucky ones, and she knows it. From the microphone she continually thanks her parents, her friends, but most of all her family for helping her achieve her dream. Not every one has the support of their family or even their parents for some challenges or adventures they want to face. The burden of trying to prove yourself is a lot lighter with those who are with us in spirit should our strength ever waver.

The second event was with my beloved, who, when he is not manufacturing electricity at a nuclear facility, works as a comedian and produces comedy shows. (There’s a joke in there somewhere, but I’ll leave that to him.) I don’t usually travel with him when he goes on the road, but this was an overnight gig and we wouldn’t be gone from home for too long.

We traveled to a small town in the Adirondacks called Redfield.  It’s a snow mobiler’s heaven, I am told, but during the summer months, the new owners of the Reservoir Inn wanted to try something different, and comedy shows seemed to fill the void. The owners happened to be a family from Long Island and, true to form, were quite the comedians themselves.

Eileen and Kevin had sold everything they had and moved to Redfield, bringing Eileen’s sister Laurie with them to work as the chef. Together the three of them, (with four teenagers between them all) have worked long and hard hours managing their dream. A small inn tucked away in the woods and minutes from the water, where everyone knows everyone else, there is no doubt they will be successful, as evidenced by the sold out shows and bookings already scheduled well into next year.

At the end of the evening Eileen thanked everyone for coming, and from the microphone thanked her husband and her sister for all the hard work they did that week.

I realized once again how important it was to have family that you can rely on and whom you can depend to achieve your dreams.  If you are determined and dedicated enough to do it on your own, there is no doubt you will get there, as most family businesses in Williamson can attest. 

But how wonderful to have those loved ones standing beside you or a phone call a way when you need them, if things start to get tough.

It’s what family is really all about.

Don’t forget to thanks yours today.

large image Emily Kaye works the crowd	large image Natarelli fills the room
large image Sisters Eileen and Laurie	large image SOLD OUT
large image Kevin & Eileen	large image Emily Kaye

Posted by eloveman at 04:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Dear Babysitter:

Here's some pointers on watching our kids while we take a well deserved time away.

Riley will probably wake you up at 6:30 am to go outside.  Leave the front door open – Simon and JJ will let themselves out in the morning.   Leave the front door open all day and night long and they will let themselves out whenever they have to pee – but make sure Riley goes out, sometimes he doesn’t feel like pushing open the door and will wait for when you wake up if he doesn’t wake you.   

Riley usually sleeps on the quilt in the floor of our room- when its hot he sleeps on the floor in the big room.

Simon sleeps on the couch in the big room or wherever he feels like it.

Breakfast -  4 scoops of food that’s in the bag.  Add a little teaspoon of gravy in the frig to each bowl.   JJ gets a few cookies crushed into his, too.   He’s a prima dona.

You don’t have to walk them or take them to the water.  Make sure their water dishes are always full, the one in the kitchen, the one in the big room and two on the front deck.  They drink a lot so keep a look out.  Most of the water will land up on your feet or on the floor, but keep filling the bowls anyway.

Please rub baby wipes on their ears and down their backs before they go out – it keeps the flys from biting them – works on humans, too!

From time to time you can give them a cookie or a chip (those white things you might trip on from time to time.)  If you happen to go out or go to the lake and leave them in the yard, they can have a pig's ear. When people drive by, they usually bark, but they are getting better.  Its good to check if someone is in the driveway, just in case.  A lot of times the UPS or Fed Ex delivery person will give them something to eat too, so its good to check.

Sometimes they run around in the yard and get quite loud – barking and even sound like they are growling at each other – don’t be alarmed, they love each other and that’s how they play.  You will always see their tails wagging – if for some reason a strange dog comes by you will see their tail point straight up – they go right into protection mode for themselves and us. [you]

PLEASE MAKE SURE THE GATES ARE ALWAYS PULLED CLOSED, or they will try to take a quick run to the lake, especially RILEY.

If they happen to get out, don’t panic – they usually come back, but if you need help rounding them up, call Warren – his number is XXX-XXXX.

Dinner is at 5:00, but Simon will start pestering you at 4:30, just to make sure you don’t forget.   Don’t let him bug you and tell him he has to wait, its not 5:00.  Tell him he’s being a pain in the ass. He’s used to it and it won’t hurt his feelings.

Dinner is 3 scoops and a little gravy.   They usually go back outside after dinner and take a big dump.  Don’t worry about cleaning up poop, but if any kids are going to play out there, you’re on your own.   We are good about getting it everyday so there isn’t any residual left over.

Last call for them is around 9:00 pm – we say “Time for Night Time Pee Pee” [you have to say the words] and they will go tearing out the door from where ever they are in the house, barking and having a great time jumping around and on each other!  We have no idea why they do this.  It just started one day.  I think they think its party time, but they do their business and will come back on the porch when ready.  If its raining you might have to tell Riley to get off the porch (big baby) and make sure he does his business.  Sometimes JJ will hang back, contemplating the world, look at the stars, or searching the perimeter for intruders.  If you smell skunk, get them in the house FAST.  

As far as Gar goes – he will moan from time to time, meowing as loud as I’ve ever heard a cat meow- but since you are ‘strangers’ he might not even come home.  We put the wet food on the floor in the kitchen for him, but if he’s not around, put it on the counter or the boys will eat it (usually Riley).  He won’t starve, there’s dry food and a water dish downstairs. If he does happen to show up and is a pain in the ass while you are sleeping,  put him downstairs and close the door.  You won’t hear his screams over the fans J He thinks he's really a dog and gets quite insulted when he is treated like a cat.   If he decides to bring you a present [like a still live chipmunk or the head of a mouse] please leave it outside.

If is gets cold or is raining, you can shut the garage door, leaving a short opening at the bottom for the cat to go in and out.  Hit the buzzer so it closes all the way and then hit it again so it goes up a short bit, then quickly hit it again.

large image Simon	large image JJ
large image Riley	large image Lining up
large image Simon and Garfunkle	large image Gar, the puppy-cat

Posted by eloveman at 05:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

July 2, 2008. The culmination of an 18-month project closed with a heartwarming tribute and presentation at Lagoner’s Farmers Market on Tuesday.

 

Anyone who is a fan of television shows Top Chef or Iron Chef can relate to the recent Slice, Dice & Spice NY Pro-Am Chef Challenge held this spring. Several chefs from the area’s top restaurants competed in a good-natured team setting, each creating a winning dish to be judged the best. Cooking in teams of two, the winning team donates their winnings to a charity of their choice, as well as contributes to the Finger Lakes Community College Tourism Scholarship Fund. Food Link’s Chief of Staff, Jill Rowell, was also an assistant on the winning team.

The organizers of Slice, Dice & Spice NY donated their winnings to Food Link of Wayne County, in an effort to highlight locally grown foods and shine a spotlight on the need for more contributions to local food organizations during a time of record food prices.

A formal presentation of a check in the amount of $250 was given to Food Link Executive Director, Thomas Ferraro.  Many of the other county representatives were also on hand for the ceremony, including Lisa Burns, Livingston County Tourism; Christine Worth, Wayne County Tourism; Valerie Knoblauch, Finger Lakes Visitors Connection; and Town of Williamson Supervisor Jim Hoffman. After feasting on scrumptious apple dumplings baked by Mitzi Sherman, Christine Worth formally presented the check to Thomas Ferraro.

“We are so proud to donate this money to such an important piece of this industry, and hope it will be put to good use” stated Ms. Worth.

“The mission of the challenge was to get people to eat local foods, to enjoy the produce grown here and to work for a worthwhile cause” explained Ms. Knoblauch.

“It was a wonderful experience and I can’t wait to do it again next year” exclaimed Lisa Burns.  A similar event will be held in Rochester in October.

Ferraro thanked the group and explained what would be done with their donation. “Most of what we receive goes to Kids Café, a program where kids learn to cook and we work together to familiarize ourselves about food. Hunger is a symptom” he continued.  “You won’t end hunger by just feeding it. We have to create wealth in order to reach everyone. We hope that our programs will teach that, by helping to promote the smaller farmer as well as the well established ones.”

Supervisor Hoffman also expressed his thanks and appreciation for the group’s participation. “It was a world class event which helps profile our area and assists a charitable cause as well.” “It has been a great partnership” added Christine Worth.

The staff at Lagoner’s Farm Market agreed wholeheartedly and were appreciative to be part of the ceremony.  

 

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Years ago I wrote a column about my kitchen calendar, and how it was the touchstone for my life.  My children were all young when I first started jotting down dates, and it kept me organized and from going crazy. Everything from doctor’s appointments to major achievements (like successfully potty training) as well as noteworthy occasions (like the death of a much loved cat) were all scribbled across the white square.

Plastered onto the refrigerator and held in place with magnets, I was able to fit two months at a time.  I didn’t realize until the kids started getting older that very rarely were any of the appointments for me, not even the doctor visits. I was guilty of one of the easiest things a mother does – putting ourselves last.  And while there is something to be said for making sure the family is taken care, it is also important we make some Me Time as well.  Easier said than done, I know.  I reasoned there would be time for me later, and I looked forward to the day with the anticipation of saving money in the bank. 

This is not to say I was a martyr in the making, or a long-suffering diva.  I just knew that it was not my time yet.  It was still time for “the Others.”

Fast forward several years and the kids are in college, in the service, or on their own.  My calendar is bare and I struggled to find things in which to fill in the squares. Suddenly I realized that my time had come and I wasn’t ready.  The “Others” were gone.  I was so used to putting things to the side that I hadn’t prepared myself for when the moment finally arrived. 

Sitting in my kitchen, one different from the one they had grown up in, I realized I had absolutely nothing to do, except my work.  I thought to myself  “This is not all there is, what God has intended for me” and I set about looking for what the next step should be.  It didn’t take very long; with me, God is direct and intense – otherwise I don’t see it.

As is with life, the sparseness of the hours didn’t last for very long. My daughter survived Cancer, I got remarried, began writing for myself and published books, and started a new kind of family.  The calendar is now filled with dates for book signings, speaking engagements, my beloved’s comedy gigs, the veterinarian appointments, and oh yes, visits from the grandchildren. 

For I understand now that it was the right thing to do to put them first, back then; it is now okay to put myself first instead.  I look forward to what is around the corner, but I will never regret the roads I left behind.

May we always continue to keep a healthy balance between “Us” and “the Others,” and knowing when the time is right, you will have done both.    

Posted by eloveman at 09:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

June 21, 2008. Lagoner’s Farm Market held its first annual Strawberry Festival on Saturday, and the community’s response was fantastic. Held in conjunction with a fundraising event organized by the Williamson, East Williamson and Pultneyville Fire Companies, the entire grounds were turned into a scene reminiscent of a county fair.

 

The aroma of barbequed chicken dinner complete with salt potatoes, beans and apple sauce wafted through the area, sold under the giant tent erected by the fire companies. By the end of the afternoon, they were sold out. It was also a time for education. “This is a great opportunity to teach people about fire safety, especially our children,” said Nancy Gowan, a member of the Pultneyville Company. Sparky the Fire Dog roamed throughout the grounds shaking hands, and fire trucks were open for inspection.

It wasn’t all work, however, as the fire companies took the opportunity to play some competitive games, such as tug-of-war and water ball.  Water ball is a skill in itself. A small leather ball is tethered to the wire which has been strung between two posts on either side of the field.

Usually having four or five people on a team, the main objective of the game is to aim the spray from a fire hose so that it pushes the ball to the side of the opposite team. Since the first person holding the nozzle of the hose can’t see anything, it is up to the team member behind him to yell directions to guide the hose and the water shooting from it. They yell “Up! Down! Right! Left” and the leader blindly does what he is told, trusting the instruction while the rest of the team holds the hose up behind him. Every one gets soaked but no one seems to mind. Team Lagoner gave a valiant effort but were defeated by East Williamson.

They also were close to beating the Pultneyville team during a spirited tug-of-war. “This is something we’ve wanted to do for a very long time,” said Diana Lagoner, one of the organizers. 

“We have wanted to pay tribute to our dedicated firefighters, and to thank them for all they do. When ever we need them, they are there.” A recent barn fire on the property close by brought the idea to the forefront.

“Even though we are always busy, we thought this would be the best time to do it, tie it in with the first crop of the summer season” added Jeremy, another member of the family.

Of course, there was the usual seasonal produce from their farm inside the market, as well as home made ice cream, pies and fudge. At one point Mark Lagoner interrupted the festivities to introduce Williamson Supervisor  Jim Hoffman, and to thank the community for attending this first festival. Hoffmann reiterated his appreciation of those who perform public service and was looking forward to a productive year.

The entire farm was bursting with activities which accommodated everyone.  From sack racing, whole-in-one golf, wagon rides, pie eating contests (won by a petite but hungry Autumn Bowman) and romps through an inflatable fire truck, the Lagoner Family thought of everything.

For those who wanted to sit and take in the beauty of the surroundings, the easy listening music of Mark & Lee filled the background. Herm and Wilma Young of Young Sommer Winery were also on hand for a wine tasting of their newest creations, Strawberry wine.

The evening ended with a spectacular fireworks display by Young Explosives. Many local businesses were responsible for sponsoring the fireworks as well and the Lagoner family wanted to make sure they were acknowledged.  They wished to thank Ashley Insurance, Breen’s IGA, Cavallaro Neubauer, Cole Income Tax, Dr. Fred Kaempffe, Fox Farms, King’s Auto, Carol Verbridge of Nothnagle Realty, KM Davies, Michael Herbert, DDS, Paige Equipment, R. Brooks, Williamson Medical Supply, Williamson Medical Center, Williamson Storage, Young Funeral Home, Jim & Laurie Peters, Williamson Hardware and the Young Sommer Winery. 

As I stood at the top of the hill and watched all the kids playing in the sandboxes, being pulled in the train to go through the corn maize, and all the other activities of the day, I was joined by Laurie Niles, wife of one of the firefighters and whose children had enjoyed the day.

“This is just good old fashioned clean fun.  I’m a country girl and this reminds me of when I was a kid down in the Southern tier.  I am so grateful my children are able to experience what I used to do, and I know everyone thanks the Lagoner Family for this wonderful time today.”

The Lagoner Family intends to make this an annual event, although I can’t imagine it being any better than it was today.  

 

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